Thread: Best value in Vintage Razors

This seems to be one of the great mysteries of the universe. There are some really great vintage razors and they're not all priced like Dubl Ducks. But for a new guy to find out which are good shavers and which which are so-so or not even.... well, pretty much he's got to buy a bunch because this is a topic that folks stay pretty tight-lipped about.

I've got about all the razors I can find a place for and am having a hard time finding anything to buy that really fills a gap I want to fill, so I'll 'fess up about some of the most reliably good shavers of the bunch.

#1 is Robeson Shuredge. I haven't met a Robeson I didn't like yet. I have a number of the Robesons and they're all excellent shavers. Bartmann High class, Dovo, Dubl Duck Satinedge - all good shavers, but none of these shave any better than my Robesons.

#2 would be the Wade and Butcher Specials. This is another razor that's reliably given me excellent shaves. Of the W&B specials, I haven't had a bummer yet.

#3. M. Jung - not as common as the 1st two and often goes for what I consider a ridulously low price for the quality of the razor. While I usually can find a Robeson or W&B Special in very good restorable condition for $15 - $20.00, an M Jung can often be found for $10.00 - and they usually have very nice bone or ivory handles. I've only had a chance to get a few of these, but for a razor you don't hear about, it's a surprisingly sweet shave that takes and holds a very good edge.

All three of these, if in decent condition and not honed out of geometry make great every-day razors capable of delivering a shave that is effortless, close and comfortable.

Of course, there are Filarmonicas, Henckels Friodurs, Dorkos and others that bring a high market value and are very good razors, but I don't really consider any of these to be great bargains, although you do get your money's worth. I thought it would be a good idea to "share the wealth" a bit, though, regarding some of the vintage "Ebay Specials" that are both good bargains and good shaves.

This seems to be one of the great mysteries of the universe. There are some really great vintage razors and they're not all priced like Dubl Ducks. But for a new guy to find out which are good shavers and which which are..

I agree with your opinions. I never could understand all the fuss over the dubl ducks, myself. I think there a lot of razors that can stand toe to toe with them. I like them, I just don't think they are what they are made out to be.

I think Robeson is the sleeper. This razor is a dandy. Collectors really like them, so if you can snag one, you should...

Here are some cheaper ones that can also sharpen up pretty good. In the order that I like them:
Clauss
Shumate
Genco

I will agree about the Wade & Butcher. I got a 7/8 Bow razor on ebay and it gives me my best shave.